Overview

• The Real Federación Española de Fútbol on July 8 appointed Aitor Karanka as technical director of development and the men’s senior national team, filling a role vacant since Albert Luque’s controversial dismissal.
• Karanka began his new role at Las Rozas, working alongside coach Luis de la Fuente and the federation’s technical staff.
• His first major task is selecting a new under-21 coach, with retired midfielder Julen Guerrero viewed as the frontrunner.
• Karanka’s resume spans Spain’s under-16 team, an assistant role at Real Madrid, head coach stints in England and Israel, and UEFA observer duties.
• His appointment reflects the RFEF’s push to reinforce the youth pipeline and restore credibility after controversies tied to former president Luis Rubiales.